SMEAR Test... some advice please

[Wolfgirl]

Morning ladies. So! it only took a couple of years (or more) to muster up courage and go and get the test. I've always hated them, and yes... I know how important they are.

That aside, I would rather have a tooth extracted without pain killer than get one done. But.... get one done I did. About 2 weeks ago. The nurse, lovely as she was, was really quite awkward with it and clumsy. To the point that not only was it very painful, but she made me bleed.

This morning I got a letter saying I need a retest as the sample was not adequate for testing.

The thought of going back for another, is not pleasant for me. I will go though, so please don't fret.

My question is, would anyone know a reason why the sample test would have been inadequate? Could it just be that she was indeed clumsy (although she is a long standing member of staff at the surgery, and elderly - so should know what she is doing).?

thanks in advance.

[SlinkyB]

I once had one of those smears and it wasn't pleasant. I think the nurse was a bit awkward/rough and due to the amount of blood in the sample, it wasn't adequate. If I was you, ask for a different nurse. It might not have been her fault, but I think pyschologically it will help you to go and see someone different as you may trust her more. Good luck.

[PurplePillow]

Chances are she didn't get enough cells on the sample.

Nothing to worry about at this stage but well done for going, I think we all hate them but so very important

[jetgirl]

It sounds as if some blood got into the sample which meant there weren't enough of the cells they need to analyse (as you can tell I am not an expert as I don't know the right words!) When I had a smear before kids I bled a bit and the nurse warned me the sample might not be clean enough, for want of a better phrase.

I have learnt to speak up if it's painful during the test now so I can get into a more comfortable position. Hope your next one is better.

[Wolfgirl]

thanks ladies. I just read the pamphlet enclosed with the letter. It mentions an unsatisfactory result, but tries to assure the reader that it is rarely linked with anything sinster.

Hmmm... good-o. Need to muster up more courage to make an appointment. drat these things, (but grateful at the same time, iykwim?)

[BelaLugosiinStripes]

Hullo
When we read the sample using the microscope the screener needs to be able to see a certain number of cells, to make an assessment based on enough information.
The type of sample and processing used these days has reduced the inadequate or unsatisfactory rate from around 10-14% to around 2-4%. If there was a fair bit of bleeding when the nurse took the test then it can affect the number of cervical cells present to make the assessment. An inadequate is indeed rarely associated with an abnormality. The (English) CSP programme guidelines advise a 3 month gap before the repeat test is taken to help there be enough cells on the cervix, to avoid another inadequate.

[Wolfgirl]

Hello BelaLugosiinStripes... thanks for your information. I'm not sure how much bleeding there was, but it really wasn't much, more like a graze with just a show.

I'm not overly worried, as sometimes your inner sixth sense tells you when something is wrong, and I just don't get any alarm bells tbh, plus.... given that all the criteria one might expect, or is advised when one of these tests are suggested, such as... multiple sex partners, same sex partners etc etc, does not apply, PLUS I am two years into the menopause. Anyway, the letter did not explain that I should wait 3 months, but rather to go ahead and make a new appointment.

It is not the results I'm concerned with, rather me being straddled legs wide with some metal instrument being protruded inside me (not confused, just like the icon face). Think my cervix is an odd angle, ergo pain LOL.

Thanks all, much appreciated your answers.

[Paschaelina]

Wolfgirl if its painful because of the angle, ask if it would be easier with you on your side instead of your back.

[Imnotaslimjim]

Another bit of advise if your cervix is tilted - put your fists under your bottom. I had a nurse rootling down there for 30 mins+ she went and got the dr, who put my hands under my bottom, smear taken painlessly and I was dressed 2 mins later!

[michglas]

My doctor prescribes me diazepan before mine so that I totally relax. My cervix is tilted and apparently i'm very tight down there as well. Really does make for a more pleasant experience, being totally calm beforehand thanks to the diazepan.

[Wolfgirl]

thanks ladies. Yes, the nurse did say at the end, oh perhaps you could put your hands under your bottom... but she had pretty much finished by then. Ah well. thanks anyway, and thanks for taking time to respond